Metamorphosis in Sacrifice
When a Raqkesh-to-be undergoes their Keshantana ba Raqkesh, they are not simply initiated into the mystery cult of the Storm. No one knows exactly what occurs during the ritual, but one thing is well-known amongst a select few: the people who subject themselves to it do not survive. Not truly. Instead, they, as far it's understood, make a sacrifice of themselves unto the Storm, reduced to essence, infused with something from the Sacred Storm, and emerge as a new creature out of the chrysalis of the person they once were.
Changed in all aspects down to their molecular chemistry but for their memories, newly made Raqkesh often find themselves struggling at first to learn to fold themselves back down into the shell they emerged from. It is essential that they learn though, for the sake of concealment and blending in. However, as might be expected, new limbs don't often fit ones old form, even if they are understood to be not-quite real, not-quite metaphorical, and many Raqkesh continue to find the practice uncomfortable or distressing.
It is no wonder then, that these newly created Wild creatures so often flee into the Wilderness to unfold into their truest selves, and the sound of liminal wings within a Storm are well-known amongst the Zya!kashna.
Now available on redbubble, because the Guides discord server bullied me into creating a shop there.
